In short: Lots of Hills in the first Half, And first 600m come to that.In full: Why run up the Big Dipper Sand Dune when you can hide in the bushes at the top ? This is what plenty of saddos seem to have done this year. Other than this disgraceful behaviour the race is a classic.Date of review: December 16, 2008

Test your ticker with the famous 'Big Dipper', the sand dune from hell. Within the first two minutes you will have wished you had stayed in bed and just when you thought you might be starting to see off the lactic acid there is a nice long climb up on to Southerndown Golf Course.

With Mulled Wine and Mince Pies at 5 miles, this is a must do Christmas treat !

In short: Brilliant! The very definition of a multi terrain race.In full: Loved it. Sand, road, field, mud and water - great atmosphere, friendly competitors (none of this elitey business you get in road races) and a cool goody bag.My only (minor) complain is that the course was a little shorter than expected and I left my surge at the end a little late. It was made up for as I tried to splash the spectators in the finish.Date of review: December 14, 2008